2024 Melbourne Royal Distinguished Service & Achievement Awards

The prestigious Melbourne Royal Distinguished Service & Achievement Awards for 2024 were celebrated on the inaugural day of the 2024 Melbourne Royal Show. The accolades were presented during the esteemed President's Lunch, held at the MasterChef Kitchen on Thursday, 26 September.

This auspicious occasion marked the recognition of outstanding dedication and service within the Melbourne Royal community, celebrating the values Melbourne Royal stands for.

Congratulations also to the following recipients of Melbourne Royal Distinguished Service and Achievement Awards presented at the 2024 Melbourne Royal Show:

 

President’s Medal

Ian Bucknall
In recognition of dedicated voluntary service and contribution to Melbourne Royal for more than 40 years including serving as a Board Director, Life Councillor and a member of the Melbourne Royal Sheep and Heritage committees.

Graeme Collins
In recognition of involvement in Melbourne Royal livestock competitions and the agricultural industry for more than 60 years including serving as a volunteer on the Melbourne Royal Sheep committee for 18 years.

Honorary Life Membership

Gary Turnham
In recognition of dedicated voluntary service and contribution to Melbourne Royal Beef Cattle and Carcase competitions for more than 15 years including serving as a valued member of the Beef Cattle competition committee.

 

Speed the Plough Medals

John McLennan
In recognition of dedicated voluntary service and contribution to the Melbourne Royal Horses in Action competition for more than 17 years including as a Mounted Marshall.

Elizabeth Porter
In recognition of active involvement in the Melbourne Royal Horses in Action competition for more than 24 years including as a competitor, steward and a committee member.

Ian Shawcross
In recognition of voluntary service and contribution to the Melbourne Royal Fleece Competition for more than 30 years including as a committee member and judge.

Joseph Cavasinni
In recognition of outstanding service and contribution to Melbourne Royal as a dedicated and valued employee for more than 15 years.

Karen Bond
In recognition of active involvement in Melbourne Royal and contribution to the Sheep Section for more than 20 years including as a highly dependable steward for the Melbourne Royal Sheep competition.

Ann Marston
In recognition of voluntary service and contribution to the Melbourne Royal Art, Craft & Cookery Competition for more than 30 years as a judge and steward.

 

Emerging Leader Medal

Flora Campbell-Wright
In recognition of active involvement in Melbourne Royal Art, Craft & Cookery competition for more than 10 years including as an exhibitor, and steward.

 

Certificate of Appreciation

Ann Marston
For volunteering and contributing to the success of the Melbourne Royal Art, Craft and Cookery Competition for more than 30 years as a steward, judge and entrant; and for providing wonderful support, wisdom, counsel and friendship to others involved in the Melbourne Royal Show.

Gavin Wall
For volunteering and contributing to the success of the Melbourne Royal Livestock Competitions, particularly Sheep, for more than 60 years; and for providing wonderful support, wisdom, counsel and friendship to others involved in the Melbourne Royal Show.

 

Beef Cattle Legends

The Collins Family

In recognition of their support for the Melbourne Royal Show through generations

 

Beef Cattle Hall of Fame

Gary Webb – Finley High School

In recognition of his distinguished service to the Melbourne Royal Beef Cattle, Beef Carcase and Sheep Competitions

 

Garryowen Hall of Fame - 2024

Rider – Shelley Penny

Exceptional Service – Jason Ronald OAM

Horse – Stage Whisper

One of the many highlights of the 2024 Melbourne Royal Show, was hosting the Agricultural Shows Australia (ASA) Rural Ambassador National Finals along with the ASA National Judges & Paraders competition.

Melbourne Royal is committed and passionate about supporting and recognising the next generation of agricultural leaders, and we were thrilled to host these programs at the 2024 Melbourne Royal Show. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to warmly welcome and celebrate emerging leaders involved in agricultural shows from all round Australia and further enhance the Melbourne Royal Show being renowned as the friendly Show.